Spanish midfielder Lopez grabbed his fifth goal in 12 games as the Seagulls moved into the play-off places with a 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday.

"He is a different player and I always try to play him," said Poyet. "He's calm, he hits the ball very well and he gives us a lot of options.

"His technical ability is at a very high standard. Because of his technical ability he scores some very important goals and he showed that again. He and Wayne Bridge were two of our best players. That's why David is playing."

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.